50th Annual Meeting Questions and Answers

Newcomer Questions

Q: How might I prepare for the annual meeting to get the most benefit out of the meeting?

A: It is helpful to write down questions you may have in advance of the meeting. It is also recommended to ask for guidance from a colleague who has previously attended a NCURA meeting. Also, keep checking back on the NCURA website, as updates on the conference will be available.

Q: How will I know what sessions will benefit me most in my job responsibilities?

A: The “Just the Facts” Newcomer Track has been set up by fellow NCURA members to provide a comprehensive overview of the range of topics relevant to sponsored programs administration. The targeted audience is individuals with less than one year experience in research administration. Track offerings will provide an introductory overview of topical issues such as Acronyms, OMB A-21- Allowability Criteria and Section J; Building a Budget; OMB Circular A-110; Effort Reporting, Cost Sharing, Cost Transfers; Financial Reporting; F&A and F.6.b; eRA; Non-Financial Compliance Issues; and What is Research Administration and How do we provide service to our PIs. Check out page 3 of the April/May 2008 NCURA Newsletter to learn more about this exciting track.

Q: Can I attend some of the Newcomer Track sessions and then other sessions not in the Newcomer Track?

A: Yes. You may attend any session you feel will assist you in your profession.

Q: What is the purpose of the New Member Orientation activity?

A: The New Member Orientation is a great opportunity to get an overview of the wealth of resources available to NCURA members. It also offers the opportunity to meet other new members to begin networking and sharing.

Q: Will there be informal opportunities to network with colleagues?

A: Yes. This is one of the benefits of the NCURA annual meeting. There are plenty of opportunities over breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as the receptions that are offered. In addition, there will also be targeted activities for newcomers during the meeting, such as optional breakfast and lunch discussion tables. Please visit the Events & Activities page for all of the details regarding activities. Make sure to bring plenty of business cards!

Q: What is the difference between a concurrent session, discussion group and workshop?

A: Concurrent Sessions are panel presentations that have question and answer time built in. These sessions will have anywhere from 50 – 200 attendees.

Discussion Groups are facilitated sessions that are limited to 40 people. Instead of presentations being given, the specific topics are discussed and information is shared by the group’s attendees.

Workshops are paneled presentations with handouts, and are facilitated by topic experts in a classroom style setting. These sessions have built in question and answer time and have anywhere from 50 – 150 attendees.

Q: What should I wear?

A: The dress for the NCURA meeting is traditionally business or business casual. The exception to this is the Sunday dinner, where many fellow members dress up in cocktail/formal wear. The Tuesday night party is a casual event and most people wear jeans. It is also advisable to bring casual clothes and walking shoes or sneakers in case you would like to join one of the walking or running groups. The temperature in the rooms may vary, so it is advisable to bring layers.

Q: May I change my mind on the session offerings I signed up for?

A: Session selection is done through Zoomerang prior to the meeting. It is OK to change; at the same time some sessions may then end up being overcrowded.

Q: Can I get session materials for those sessions where there's a time conflict with another session that I plan to attend?

A: Yes. The sessions’ handouts will be posted online after the meeting.

Q: What are Regions?

A: Regions are NCURA members grouped by clusters of states. NCURA has seven different regions which each hold yearly conferences and activities. Regions provide NCURA members the opportunity to network with other sponsored program administrators closer to home. At the NCURA 50th, each region will be hosting a regional hospitality suite where you may connect and relax with others in neighboring states. Please visit the Regional Activities page for more information on your Region and regional activities.

Q: What if I am not comfortable asking my burning question in front of a large audience?

A: Session presenters usually make their contact information available to attendees for follow-up questions. There will be opportunities to ask questions one-on-one at the end of sessions if time permits.

Q: How can I volunteer for NCURA activities?

A: There are a range of ways to get involved in NCURA as a volunteer. The volunteer page on the NCURA website: http://www.ncura.edu/content/volunteer/ offers an overview of the opportunities—ranging from one-time activities to elected positions. Get involved!

Q: I am an accountant – how do I get CPE credits? What sessions are eligible? What is the total I could get for this meeting?

A: CPE slips are available at the NCURA Welcome & CPE desk on the terrace level. You will need to complete these slips for the concurrent sessions that you attend and drop them in the CPE box also located at the Welcome & CPE desk. Your CPE certificates will be tallied after the conference and your certificate will be emailed to you. Please Note: You must turn in your completed CPE slips in order to receive credits. All workshops, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday concurrent sessions and the senior discussion forum session on Monday afternoon are eligible for CPE credits. Discussion Groups will not be eligible for CPE Credits.

Q: I have additional questions. Is there anyone I can contact prior to the annual meeting?

A: Yes. Please feel free to contact:

Antoinette Lawson
Associate Director
Office of Research Administration and Advancement
University of Maryland, College Park
tlawson@umresearch.umd.edu

or

Danielle Woodman, MS, GPC, CRA
Director, Office of Academic Grants
Daemen College BC 105
4380 Main Street
Amherst, NY 14226
dwoodman@daemen.edu

We look forward to seeing you in November!